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Sanaya Sahib murder case: Heidelberg West community remember tragic toddler

BALLOONS with tributes for murdered tot Sanaya Sahib covered the sky in Melbourne’s north today as hundreds held a vigil at the spot her mother had said the girl was snatched last week.

Balloons released to the skies for baby Sanaya

PINK and yellow balloons with tributes for murdered tot Sanaya Sahib covered the sky in Melbourne’s north.

Hundreds of people paid tribute to the 14-month-old in a moving vigil at Olympic Park in Heidelberg West today, where it was initially claimed the toddler was snatched almost one week ago.

Mother Sofina Nikat was charged with the murder of her daughter earlier this week.

The community wrote messages of love on coloured balloons and sent them to the sky, to the soundtrack of Amazing Grace.

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Balloons released to the skies for baby Sanaya
Residents honour Sanaya Sahib where the tragedy unfolded at Olympic Park, where her body was found. Picture: Sarah Matray
Residents honour Sanaya Sahib where the tragedy unfolded at Olympic Park, where her body was found. Picture: Sarah Matray
Zureen Sahib is comforted by people at the vigil. Picture: Sarah Matray
Zureen Sahib is comforted by people at the vigil. Picture: Sarah Matray
Sameer Sahib with a phone photo of his daughter. Picture: Sarah Matray
Sameer Sahib with a phone photo of his daughter. Picture: Sarah Matray
Tragic video of mum and toddler

Families and single parents placed tributes on the park’s footbridge, while some sprinkled dried flowers into the creek in memory of the little girl.

Sanaya’s father Sameer Sahib did not attend the vigil, but his family did and thanked the community for its support.

Event organiser and mother Cheyenne Brent was amazed by the large turnout.

“It went beautifully, the family was here and they were really touched,” she said.

“It’s affected our community quite largely.”

Heidelberg West girl Bella-Mia also sang the Beyonce version of Ave Maria.

Ms Brent hoped the vigil encouraged young mums to seek help for post natal depression.

“I wanted to bring closure to the community because a lot of people were affected,” she said.

“It doesn’t matter what culture ore religious beliefs you have, if you need help speak up.”

kara.irving@news.com.au

Original URL: https://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/law-order/sanaya-sahib-murder-case-heidelberg-west-community-remember-tragic-toddler/news-story/137655786188f0a01b75f26c1a2cf4b8